Why do Dutch have a tall diet?

December 3, 2025 •

3 min read

The Dutch are officially the tallest people in the world, with average male and female heights reaching 183.78 cm and 170.36 cm respectively, according to Body Worlds Amsterdam. This remarkable stature is often attributed to diet, but the truth is a complex mix of many factors.

Quick Summary

The belief that Dutch people have a 'tall diet' is a misnomer, as their impressive height is the result of genetics, a dairy-rich diet, excellent healthcare, and social equality working together.

Key Points

No Single 'Tall Diet': The concept of a specific Dutch 'tall diet' is a misconception; height is a complex outcome of multiple factors, not just food.
High Dairy Consumption: A key dietary component is the Dutch's high intake of dairy, which provides essential calcium and protein for bone growth, especially during childhood.
Genetic Predisposition: The Dutch have a genetic advantage towards being tall, and this has been amplified over time by natural selection.
Socio-economic Improvements: Better living standards, universal healthcare, and reduced inequality have played a massive role in maximizing height potential since the 19th century.
Lifestyle and Health: An active lifestyle, including a national cycling culture, and access to good public health and prenatal care also contribute to optimal growth.
Historical Reversal: The Dutch were among the shortest people in Europe 150 years ago, demonstrating that their height is a modern phenomenon driven by environmental changes.
Holistic Approach: It is the synergistic effect of diet, genetics, and environment that explains why the Dutch are so tall, not one single factor alone.

The Misconception of a 'Tall Diet'

There is no single "tall diet" that magically makes a person taller. The Dutch are exceptionally tall due to a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. While diet is a significant contributor, it's part of a larger picture. It's important to understand that adult height is largely determined by genetics and growth plates fuse after puberty, meaning diet cannot increase height in adulthood. The focus is on how nutrition during crucial developmental years maximizes genetic potential.

The Role of Diet: Dairy and High-Quality Nutrients

A key element often cited in the Dutch diet is their high consumption of dairy products. Starting young, Dutch children consume milk, cheese, and yogurt, which are rich in nutrients vital for bone development.

Key dietary components:

Calcium: Abundant in dairy, calcium is crucial for strong bones.
Protein: Dairy, meat, and fish provide protein essential for growth.
Vitamin D: Found in fortified dairy and fish, Vitamin D aids calcium absorption.
Balanced Nutrition: The modern Dutch diet provides a variety of nutrients from fruits, vegetables, grains, and lean proteins, supporting overall development.

The Influence of Genetics and Natural Selection

Genetics provides the potential for height, and Northern Europeans, including the Dutch, tend to have a genetic predisposition for being taller. Natural selection has also been suggested as a factor, with studies indicating that taller Dutch men and average-height women had more children, potentially increasing the frequency of 'tall genes' over time. This, combined with better environmental conditions, contributes to their increased height.

Socio-Economic Factors and Public Health

The rise in Dutch height over the past 150 years is also linked to improved living standards, healthcare, and sanitation.

Key socio-economic drivers:

Economic Prosperity: Increased wealth reduced malnutrition and diseases that stunt growth.
Social Equality: Universal healthcare and social support ensure most children receive the necessary nutrition and medical care.
Active Lifestyle: A culture promoting cycling and outdoor activities supports overall health and bone development.

Comparison: Dutch Height Factors vs. Past Generations

Examining factors influencing height in the 19th century compared to modern times highlights the changes.


Factor	19th Century Netherlands	Modern Netherlands
Diet	Often insufficient due to poverty.	Nutrient-rich, high in dairy and protein.
Healthcare	Limited access and poor sanitation.	Excellent universal healthcare and public health.
Genetics	Potential suppressed by environment.	Potential realized and amplified by selection.
Lifestyle	Hard work and poor conditions.	High living standards and active culture.

Conclusion: The Holistic Explanation

The tall stature of the Dutch results from a combination of factors. The idea of a simple 'tall diet' is an oversimplification. Their height is influenced by a high-quality diet, a genetic predisposition enhanced by natural selection, and a strong society providing good health and well-being. While growth may have plateaued, the Dutch case illustrates how history, culture, and social policy impact physical development. Further scientific insight is available in studies on height and fertility here.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice. Individual results may vary based on personal genetics and health.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the Dutch were not always tall. In fact, in the 19th century, they were shorter than many other Europeans. Their rapid increase in height is a modern phenomenon.

While dairy provides protein and calcium, which are crucial for bone growth during childhood, no single food can guarantee extra height. Height is mostly determined by genetics.

Genetics determines an individual's height potential (up to 80%), but diet and other environmental factors are essential for maximizing that potential. The Dutch case shows a strong interplay between both.

Some studies suggest that natural selection has favored height in the Netherlands, with taller men having more children on average. This has increased the frequency of genes for tall stature over generations.

High living standards, low social inequality, and a robust universal healthcare system have ensured good nutrition and health for a majority of the Dutch population, which is crucial for maximizing growth.

Recent studies suggest that the Dutch average height may have plateaued or even slightly declined in the past decade, possibly due to reaching their genetic potential or changes in lifestyle.

No, adults cannot increase their height by following a specific diet. Growth plates in bones fuse after puberty, and no amount of nutrition will cause further height gain.